Ironically enough, Elie has a good impression of Auschwitz when he first arrives. He believes that it is better than Birkenau and that it is like a "rest home." Readers must remember Elie's horrific experiences in Birkenau for his description of Auschwitz to make sense--he is separated from his mother and sisters, and he witnesses the burning of live infants (the event that consumes his faith). Thus, Auschwitz's initial impression is better for Wiesel.